Apple iPhone 6: Screens Production And Release Date [REPORT]

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is making all possible efforts to boost the production of the displays for its much awaited iPhone 6, which is now expected to debut this autumn with the 4.7-inch version while the bigger 5.5-inch version may get delayed, according to Reuters. Last week, a report from Japanese financial publication Nikkei claimed that Apple is already producing the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays for its next iPhone. Though the present report completely contradicts the manufacturing date, they provide the same information on the suppliers and screen size.

Larger screen iPhone 6 delayed?

On Tuesday, citing supply chain sources, Reuters reported that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) manufacturing partner Japan Display will be the first to initiate mass production of 4.7-inch panels for the iPhone 6 by May. Other manufacturers Sharp and LG Display are expected to start production in June. Presently, the iPhone 5s and 5c are equipped with a 4-inch display.

The bigger 5.5-inch version of the iPhone 6 could also be in the mix, but problems over in-cell manufacturing methods are delaying the production schedule. As of now, there is no update on the specific date when the manufactures will be able to start producing the large phablet-size screen, but it is believed that the process will start “several months” after the 4.7-inch version.

However, to get the production on schedule, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) could roll back to older thin film technology for the 5.5-inch display, and later as the production permits revert back to in-cell later, says Reuters citing sources.

Apple under intense pressure

Both the new versions of the next generation devices are expected to have in-cell touchscreens. The technology helps to lower the thickness of the touch panel by fitting capacitive touch sensors into the LCD array. Apple initially used the technology in the iPhone 5.

In recent times, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been under intense pressure to prove its mettle once again in the tech industry. CEO Tim Cook has already promised “new product categories” for 2014, but as of now there has been no official word on any including the much awaited iPhone 6. Apple shares have been trading below the $600 mark since November 2012, primarily due to the concerns over saturation in the smartphone market, and company’s ability to carry forward its reputation for being innovative.

About the Author

Aman is MBA (Finance) with an experience on both Marketing and Finance side. He has worked as a Risk Analyst for AIR Worldwide, and is currently leading VeRa FinServ, a Financial Research firm. Favorite pastimes include watching science fiction movies, reviewing tech gadgets, playing PC games and cricket. - Email him at amanjain@valuewalk.com